People’s diplomats from Lviv region have already visited Milan with their mission and told about the results of their work
For too long, many decisions on the world stage have been made without Ukraine’s position. This has not least affected the fact that today we are fighting for our peace and peaceful life in an independent and sovereign state. That is why the Lviv OVA initiated a project of people’s diplomacy from Ukraine in those countries that are hesitant about their position in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The project started with a trip to the Unfair art fair in Milan, which lasted from April 7-10.
People’s Artist of Ukraine Volodymyr Kozyuk and sculptor Viktor Prodanchuk donated their works for sale at the fair, and used the proceeds to purchase medicines for the military and people with disabilities. They have already been delivered to the Lviv region and will soon be distributed.
The head of Lviv OVA Maksym Kozytskyi told in more detail about this project.
“Since February 24, the President of Ukraine has been telling the truth about the Russian-Ukrainian war in a daily video to the world. Our other high-ranking officials are doing the same. When every Ukrainian at his level and in his field will have a clear position on this is abroad, we will definitely be heard. That is why a project of people’s diplomacy was born on the initiative of the Lviv OVA, “Maksym Kozytskyi explained.
According to public figure Yuri Kotyk, in order to convey the truth about the war that Russia launched in Ukraine, talking to Italians, people’s diplomats drew parallels with the events that the Italian people had to go through.
” The peculiarity of this project is the explanation of events in Ukraine to foreigners through the prism of similar historical events in their countries. In Italy, in 1943-45, ethnic cleansing was carried out on the Istrian peninsula and many civilians were killed. These crimes were committed by communists who killed civilians under the pretext of destroying fascism: children, women and the elderly. Because of such historical events, Italians remember such crimes and realize that similar killings took place in cities that survived the Russian occupation. That is why they understand and sympathize with all the Ukrainian people, who are now steadfastly opposed to the occupier’s army of many thousands, “said Yuriy Kotyk.
During the three days of the fair, everyone could write wishes to Ukrainians on the national flag. Yuriy Kotyk handed over this flag to Lviv OVA.
“You can read here that people want peace, victory and an end to the war. But I would like to single out the wishes that impressed me the most. This is a wish not to give up, to love Ukraine with all our hearts, as well as an expression of faith in our people. I was most impressed by the inscription: “Forward, strong people”. The notable “strong” is extremely common in Italy in the context of Ukraine and its people. I personally pass this flag to the head of the Lviv OVA, I want him to remind about the support of the Italian people in these difficult times, as well as the strength of our people, “- added Yuri Kotyk.
Then the people’s diplomats from the Lviv region will go to the Vatican, Germany and Hungary – where people have not yet finally decided whose side they are on in this confrontation between truth and terrorism.